Text messaging

The other night I decided to take Brandon's phone and send Heather a text message (Heather was not home at the time). It took me about 10 minutes to send the message but I did it. Then she responded very quickly and before I knew it I was trying to send her another text. Alanna then commented that I have now texted Heather more than I've texted my own daughter(s). So, I sent Alanna a text...and she was 5 feet away from me. Brandon and Alanna got a good laugh out of me trying to text. We all thought it was blogging material! :)

When did snow stop being fun?

Dad and I decided we'd better shovel the snow in the driveway and sidewalk. I remember when you kids were younger and the snow days were fun. Now with the pressure of having to go to work and kids traveling in it, some how it's not quite so much fun. The snow is very dry so shoveling it wasn't hard. Jack Adams had to walk up the hill and leave his 4 wheel drive down at the bottom. He said that this is the 1st time in 20 years that he hasn't been able to get up. He got chains and was headed back down to hopefully get his vehicle. I'm not sure I'll venture out to early tomorrow morning. AND IT'S STILL SNOWING!!!! Spring PLEASE talk to Mother Nature.

Fried Bagels

Last night we were watching the food channel and "Paula's Party" was on. She is from the south and fries everything and uses a lot of butter. Her creation yesterday was fried bagels. So today for lunch Dad wanted a fried bagel. We didn't have any green tomatoes to fry to put on it, so I made homemade onion rings to add to the bagel sandwich. Yes, the bagel was dipped in egg and flour then deep fat fried before the cream cheese, beef, onion rings, tomatoes and lettuce was added. It looked pretty good when I got finished with it. Dad really liked it. He even said it would be good along with Chicken Noodle Soup. So if you're wondering what to fix for dinner or lunch try a Deep Fried Bagel.

Winter Wonderland

Last Sat. night Dad and I were coming home about 11:45 PM and it was snowing. That's the beginning of the Arctic freeze we have been experiencing. We just got a skiff of snow with that storm. Then Wed. it warmed up enough to melt that snow, however that didn't last very long. Through the early morning hours on Thur. we got about 3 inches of snow. Since I live the closest to work I went in and worked until about 1:15 PM. I could only get up the hill as far as the Spurlocks' home. Dad was my knight in shinning armor and walked, or should I say slipped and slid down, to rescue me. He put the chains on and we continued up the hill. Fri. Dad took me down the hill to work where he took off the chains because the main roads had been plowed and sanded. He went to the range as range officer and came back to pick me up about 1:30 PM so I could make a deposit and returned to the hill to once again put on chains to get back home. Yesterday we needed the chains to get down the hill but they came and sanded it so we could get back up without the chains. The forecast was that on Sat. and Sun. another storm would hit with lots of cold weather, snow and high winds. They said the storm we got Thurs. morning was just a dusting compared to what we would be getting. So while I could I went out and did a little shopping. Then we came home and braced for the storm that was forecast. It started to snow about 2 PM and I'm not sure it has stopped since then. We now have at least 7-8 inches and it's still snowing. Needless to say church was cancelled today. We are supposed to get snow all day today and tonight. Then again on Wed-Fri. If it wasn't Christmas time and family coming I would be OK with it. It worries me with family driving and flying here. The temperature hasn't been above freezing for a week now and the lows have been in the low teens. BURRRRRRR It's cold for here. Enjoy the pictures. That's the best way to enjoy snow. Spring if you still have it in with Mother Nature ask her to turn off the snow, we've had enough. :)

It's Christmas Time

Dad and I went to Kuney's tree farm to pick oput our tree. We have gone there for several years. After picking out the right one Dad cut it down and we returned home. Sunday evening we tried to put it in the stand but our stand is old and worn and wouldn't hold the tree. After it fell a couple of times I convinced dad to use the newer bigger stand that we have and low and behold it worked. We spent Monday evening decorating it. Merry Christmas to all.
I love this time of year. It just seems to bring more kindness and love as we think of others first and as we reflect on the birth of our Savior. I love listening to Christmas music and looking at the lights. I love having as many of the family as can make it here during the holidays. Those who can't your in my thoughts as you prepare for the holidays.

Primary Boys

Since I haven't done anything for my Primary Boys for their birthdays, I took them bowling. Only 3 boys showed up out of the 6 in my class. They had a good time. When Thomas threw the first ball I was glad they had the bumpers up. Otherwise they would have been lucky to get a few points. Once I got a split and told the boys if I got both pins they had to buy lunch. Sam actually looked worried and said he didn't bring any money. They were releaved when I missed on of them. I knew there was probably no way I was going to get both pins but it was worth seeing the look on their faces. Since we were gone the last two Sunday's I had a sub and asked the boys how they were. They were not very well behaved for Bro. Reynolds but at least they told me the truth. I guess Sam hit Thomas and Thomas hit him back. They both got sent to their Fathers. (I've never sent them to their parents) Bro. Jones went home afterward and told Carol he felt sorry for me that they are a wild bunch. I have enjoyed teaching them and seeing their behavior improve. (yes, it's improved for me) They really are good for me but take advantage of a sub.

driver's training

When I found out Jen was afraid to parallel park, I knew I could teach her how to overcome her fear of performing that maneuver after being taught how in my driver training instruction. I told her I could have her do it correctly after no more than three attempts. This was the third attempt. Now she has to PRACTICE ... PRACTICE ... PRACTICE so she can do it the first time the next time she has to do it instead of driving three blocks away and walking to where she has to go instead of parallel parking at her destination as she does now. I also got some extra study time in toward my hours I need in my driver training plan. Thanks, Jen, for helping me as I helped you.

Twister Trouble

THANKSGIVING

We had a great Thanksgiving with Jen, Joel and their children. Jen was up most of the night before sick. Joel took her to the Dr. and she had strep throat again. It had never cleared up from the last time she had it. They had invited a few families over for pie for breakfast so Dad and I meet them and entertained them. It was nice meeting some of their friends here. They had also invited a new member in their ward for dinner. They are being transferred here and his family isn't here yet.
Later that night I decided to play a few tricks on the kids. I had Spring try to stab me with a fork, before I could wipe the water up with a cloth. Instead of using the cloth I pulled Springs legs and pulled her across the water. Her first comment was, "Grandma You cheated." We were laughing pretty hard. Then I had Thomas try to drop a quarter into a funnel as I pored water in the funnel. He is certainly growing up because he was embarrassed about it. After I told him I was sorry for embarrassing him he was OK with it and thought it was kind of funny. We then did the Polack basketball. Even though their faces were covered with lead marks form the pencils they didn't quite understand that was the joke. Thomas was very determined to get the quarter closer to the X. Enjoy the videos.

The day before Thanksgiving my parents received an FTD package from Kim & Matt of a beautiful bouquet of flowers. The card inside was from someone else but the arrangement was the one Kim ordered for them. They were very pleased with the flowers and had a vase ready to display them in.

My Blessings

PRIESTHOOD: To be ordained by the proper authority to administer in God's name in order to bless His children on the earth and help "bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39) is something I need to remind myself of daily so as not to take it for granted. With this blessing comes great responsibility that can't be shirked and I need to live worthily to have the power as well as the authority to bear the Holy Priesthood of God.

FAMILY: To be fortunate enough to have children that are righteous and try to live their life in accordance with God's law and will is something I will always cherish. It's been said that you don't know how well you have done your job as a parent until they raise their own children and they do (most of) what you would do if you were in their situation (at least that's what my parents said).

FRIENDS: Without which I would be very lonely and would tend to wander from one aimless endeavor to another but because I have people I can call and confide in, my life is truly meaningful and I have worthwhile goals to achieve. We are not meant to be left alone here on this earth but to help others get back to our Heavenly home.

LIFE ON EARTH: To be alive at this time of the earth's history is truly remarkable! Prophets and seers have looked forward to this time but we are the ones who are blessed with living in this era.

PROSPERITY: Only a handful of people have been blessed to be born in this land of freedom, liberty and security from the despotic rulers that tend to reign around the world. Thank God for the United States of America!

JESUS CHRIST: Without Him, I couldn't have the peace, joy and love I have for myself and others I know. To be able to serve everyone I know as He would have me do if He were here with me is something I can do to show my love for Him.

There are other blessings I have but these are some of the ones I cherish the most.

BLESSINGS IN MY LIFE

Now, that I have been shamed by my daughters and them remembering to show gratitude for their blessings, I better follow suit.
ETERNAL FAMILIES: The knowledge we have of eternal families helps us make more of a commitment to get a long and appreciate each other more. I'm so thankful for Gary and the way he has always supported our family. His honesty and dedication to do what's right. I'm grateful that he is a worthy Priesthood holder and honors it. For being my best friend through thick and thin. For each of my children. For the special qualities that each of them have and share so freely with others. I'm grateful that each of you are worthy members of the gospel and along with your spouses are able to go to the temple and partake of the blessings that come from that. I'm grateful for my sons-in-laws and daughter-in-law. We are so blessed that each of our children have such wonderful spouses that makes my children happy. What more could I ask for? For my Grandchildren and the joy they bring into my life. I have said several times that children can't have too many Grandma's but believe me Grandma's can't have too many Grandchildren either. For the knowledge that I'll see my Dad again and be able to feel his arms around me. For the special lessons in life that my Mom still teaches me. I realize I will never be to old to learn from her.
BEING FREE FROM DEBT: In this economy this is really a blessing. Not having debt really does set you free. I'm grateful that Gary and I both have learned to live within our means even when we had to do without things that the world thought was important.
GOOD HEALTH: The older I get the more I appreciate this.
BLUE SKIES: This is something I always took for granate until after we had lived in WA. for a few years. I'm grateful for the beautiful fall we've had this year. The leaves have been beautiful as they changed color and seemed to stay on the trees for a long time. When there's a blue sky there is no place more beautiful than here. We just have to put up with a lot of dark cloudy days to get them.
MY TESTIMONY AND MEMBERSHIP IN THE CHURCH: It has made me who I am.
I'm thankful for this time of year as we focus on Thanksgiving and then the birth of our Savior. It seems like people are just a little better during the holidays.

French Toast

It's not everyday someone would do a blog about French Toast. Since Dad's French Toast has been a topic of discussion for over 20 years in our family, I decided I'd fill you all in on Dad's latest attempt of making it. Sunday morning Dad informed me he was going to fix French Toast for breakfast. I have to admit I was a bit leary and not sure I even wanted to try it after all the horror stories I had heard. To my surprise it looked good and smelt good, so I was brave and took my first bite. It was actually really good. Dad has redeamed himself! He can now make french toast and plans on making it for everyone next summer. Look what you have to look forward to! I didn't think about taking pictures until after we had eaten. This is proof that his cooking skills are improving.

Chuck E Cheese

On Sat. I took Thomas and Spring to Chuck E Cheese to play video games. They had a fun time. Jen, Thomas and Spring came with us. It was fun watching the kids play. Most of the time I held the babies and was asked several times if they were twins.

Random pictures of the reception. There were a couple of incidences that will make memoriable memories. Spring ended up not feeling very well and slept on the chair throughout the reception. Sammy put an M&M up his nose and Joel had to get it out. It took a while but they succeed.

Alanna's wedding

It was so special to be in the temple with all 4 of our children and their spouses. It is such a blessing in our lives that they were all worthy to be there. It is a reminder of how special the Plan of Salvation is and the importance of eternal families.

Family pictures

We arrived at the temple early so we took advantage of the beautiful suroundings to take some family pictures. It was a beautiful day with blue sky and clouds. The leaves had changes into their beautiful fall colors which matched perfectally with the wedding colors. It was a fun time to be together with the family.

Attempting to make a flower boquet

I had originally asked Kathy Miller to make 2 boquets for Alanna's reception. She ended up going out of town but let me cut plants from her yard. Spring had a great time helping me try to attempt to make a boquet that we could use. They actually turned out pretty nice. When I get a picture of the finished products I'll add it.

Time for a nap

I had both babies this morning with a goal of getting them both to sleep at the same time. After about 10 minutes of one or the other one fussing they both gave in and fell asleep. I enjoyed holding them both as they slept. It didn't take long before I became sleepy holding them. On Sat. we took the kids to Chuck E Cheese to let them play video games and Brandon bought a rubber snake for Sammy, since he was home napping when we went. While I was sleeping with the babies, Jen and the other kids decided it would be fun to get me with a snake. See what I have to put up with? There's just no respect. I'm sure you can all agree that I am picked on.

Leg wrestling

I was showing Spring and Sammy how to leg wrestle. Then I challenged Dad to a match. He was sure he could beat me. But NO! I won and he immediatly wanted a rematch. Guess what! I won again. Even though Dad claims he let me, he didn't. Enjoy the video.

Tradition

It's been my pleasure to be able to sew the blessing outfits for all our Grandchildren so far. It's something I enjoy doing and hope to be able to do as long as their parents want me to. This time I got double duty with 2 new Grandsons within 2 weeks of each other.
It's exciting to see our family grow. We can never have too many Grandchildren. Each one is a blessing in our life and brings their own little personality to our family.
I am so excited to see everyone later this week. I love having our family all together. I pray that everyone will be able to travel in safety and with no problems.

LeMay Auto Museum

I, along with a few others from the GOCC, joined the Porsche Club driving to the LeMay Auto Museum in Spanaway. There are over 3,000 cars in his collection along with antiques of all catagories. The tour included LeMay's private residence that the public doesn't normally get to see. Harold LeMay was originally in the garbage and recycling business so ever don't say there isn't any money in garbage.

BLESSINGS IN MY LIFE

Sorry there's no pictures to go along with this blog. It seems like I have been pretty preoccupied with work the past few months. The merge has not been good in my eyes and so many things that I used to love about my job are no longer there. I have been pretty negative about it have dread going to work. After the last few weeks I have decided that I need to change my attitude and look at the blessings I have. I am over come come with emotion with the arrival of two new beautiful, healthy Grandsons. I am thrilled with the upcoming marrage of Alanna and Eric. I have been blessed that all 4 of my children are active members of the church and once again look forward to being in the temple with all of you and your spouses. What more could I ask for? I am so thankful for the relationship that I have with each of you. It saddens me when I hear people talk bad about their Mothers and or children. I am thanksful for the Plan of Salvation that teaches us Familes are eternal. It gives us a reason and a purpose to work on making our relationships with each other stronger as the years go on. Time moves forward and we may grow apart physically but hopefully we will keep the ties with each other strong.
I guess with all the changes the past few months I have realized once again what's really important, FAMILY!

Teaching an "Old Dog" New Tricks

I started learning how to do Federal Taxes with an Income Tax business (six hours per week AND HOMEWORK) with an unofficial promise to be hired after sucessful completion of the course. I'm also taking a 30-hour driver training course at night (not including HOMEWORK and 10 drives in addition to several "ride alongs"). The CKSD also interviewed me for the substitute bus driver position but their 40-hour week-long course couldn't be scheduled into my already busy schedule so they want me to call them back after the first of the year if I'm still interested in working for them. It went from famine to feast with my job prospects so my home projects will have to wait awhile or I will have less time to do what I want to do.

Sherriff Mom

Our office had a booth at The Kitsap County Fair. I worked Thurs. and Fri. nights after work. On Fri.night as Dad and I got there to relive Megan, she showed me a neat bag she had got for free. I went to the booth to get one but they were out. Megan left for a few minutes and came back with another bag and handed that along with $2.00 and told me I had to go to the Kitsap County Sheriff's booth. She had got me a bag and they wanted to make sure there were really 2 people. She hurried us along and Dad and I walked to the booth. The deputy saw me and asked if I was Sharon. He then proceeded to tell me I had to get on the motorcycle. So like a fool I did, thinking I had to do it to get the bag. But NO! It was for a picture. (that's what the $2.00 were for) He had told her the only way I could get a bag was if she could get me to set on the motorcycle. He proceeded to tell me that my co-worker didn't think I'd do it. All the time I was laughing and telling them I'd only do it for the Grandkids to see. He then handed me the picture and we headed back to our booth. On the way back it hit me, Megan had set me up. The whole office got a laugh out of it. My picture is now proudly displayed on my shelf in the office. I'm not longer just Dr. Mom but Sheriff Mom as well.

Apron

Each month at the Corvette club members bring things for the drawings they have. I told Dad a while ago if we could find some fabric with Corvettes on it I would make a couple aprons. Well Dad found some on line and ordered it. So I made him 2 aprons to take on Thursday for the meeting. Hope the winners look happier than Dad does.

Fun at a fruit stand

Between Leavenworth and Wenatchee there was this fun fruit stand. We stopped to check out the fruits and vegetables and to just walk around. These are just some fun pictures we took while there.

Mom wanted to go into the petting zoo but was told she was too old to go in without children to accompany her.

Alanna's harvest themed wedding should have these scarecrows for decorations, huh?

Instead of a carriage ride, how about a hayride?

Deception Falls

On our trip this last weekend we stopped at Deception Falls and hiked down to it. It was so beautiful and amazing. One thing that made an impression on me was how water can be so soft and gentle as it is running through our fingers and yet so powerful that it can cause major destruction. It was a about a half mile hike. Even though it started to rain we didn't feel much of it because of the tress sheltering us. I hope you enjoy the pictures. We took pictures of the captions along the way. We thought Thomas might want to read them and learn more about the area up here.

Saturday Morning Breakfast.

A few weeks ago on a Sat. morning it was really hot (at least for here). Dad suggested that we go to Seabeck to a little hole in the wall resturant for breakfast. It's called Barb's and everthing she serves is homemade and really good. She makes the best biscuits and gravey that I have ever had. So that's what I ordered. Dad ordered a seafood omlete. It was nice to be able to eat outside and enjoy the sunshine, blue sky and the water from the Hood Canal. It was a perfect way to start off a weekend.

Cleaning the spa

Since we aren't using Bromaine anymore in the spa we have to clean it every 4 months. That's as long as the chemicals work. Last month when we did it was while Alanna was here. We have finally figured out that if we drain it on Fri. night then it doesn't take very long to clean it and fill it on Sat. From the looks of the picture, Dad did all the work, but don't be fooled. He is just getting all the water out of the spa and I actually cleaned it and filled it. It is a team effort between Dad and I. It sure is nice to have the fresh clean water in it.

Alanna's Wedding dress

Here are the pictures of Alanna's dress. We had to put it on this blog so that Eric won't see what the dress looks like before the wedding day. Just click on the album to see a slideshow of more pictures.

wedding dress

4th of July Weekend

We started the 4th off by meeting with the Corvette club in Kingston for the parade. The parade was suppose to start at noon but didn't start until 1:00 due to having to wait for the ferry to unload. So we were there from 10:00-1:30. It takes a lot longer to get there and wait for the parade to start than the parade itself. It ended up being a beautiful sunny day. Afterwards we stopped by the house to get the Saturn and head to the Ocean. We went to Ilwaco. It's where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. The nice thing was, Dad made all the reservations and planned the whole thing. After 34 years of marriage I've got him trained almost perfect.
We were driving past Chehalis when we noticed this sign. It is the area that was really effected by the floods we had in Dec. last year.

4TH OF JULY

Retirement

Have you ever wondered what retired men do?


Need I say more???

Race for the Cure

Otherwise known as "Trotting for Tits." (according to Dad)

Alanna, Vera Reynolds and I got up early to catch the ferry into Seattle for the Race for the Cure. It was so impressive to see the amount of people who entered this race and the support there was to find a cure for breast cancer. We did the race in celebration for Mom, Mary Ellen and Suzanne. As I looked around and saw everyone there with one goal in mind, I became emotional. I felt like I was honoring Mom and all she had gone through with her battle against breast cancer. My dream is to one day do this race with all 3 of my daughters, and my granddaughters, as we push Mom in a wheel chair. We could wear shirts that say 4 Generations racing for the cure. I know Mom would love being a part of this event and feel the excitement and love that was so prevalent. It's hard to describe the feelings I felt. I thought a lot of Mom and what she went through, how this disease can possibly run in our family and could affect my daughters and granddaughters and their families, if no cure is soon found. It was a day I will remember and a tradition I hope to continue to do for many years to come. Thanks Alanna for being my hero and asking me to do this with you. Thanks to Mom for being the survivor and showing us that it can be beaten. Mostly Mom for the positive attitude you showed through your battle. I know it wasn't easy but you taught us so much.

Check out the following link to see the news broadcast. Right after the little girl, Hannah, talks you see three people waving on the left hand side. That is Me,Vera and Alanna!
http://www.komonews.com/home/video/20632534.html?video=pop&t=a

aboard the ship

Each night the stewards would turn down our beds. They also would leave chocolate on the beds and fold the towels into different animal shapes. We took a class on towel folding so we are now experts in the field of folding towels (into different animals). Joel, I even learned how to fold one into the shape of a gorilla...just for you.

On Thursday night, at 11:00, Karen and I took part in the Chocolate Buffet while dad and Scott went to a comedy show. The chocolate buffet had all the chocolate you could imagine. My favorite was a banana dipped in really creamy milk chocolate (you hungry yet?). There were lots of ice sculptures decorating the room and displays made out of chocolate. Every woman's dream! The only thing missing was a diet coke to go along with the chocolate. :)

Prince Rupert, British Columbia

Our last port was Prince Rupert on Thursday afternoon. Dad and I went to a museum of Northern British Columbia for the Tsishian Indians. At the museum the guide informed us of the traditions of their Winter Feast and preformed traditional dances.

Prince Rupert, British Columbia

Skagway

Skagway is a very small town of about 800 people. In the summer the population triples due to tourism. Those who come to work in the town during the summer live in tents (this is known as tent city). Groceries are brought in every Wednesday so Thursday is the day to do your shopping. The Klondike Gold Rush is what caused this town to be on the map. The following video is a short clip from the train ride we took. This railroad was built during the Klondike Gold Rush in 1898. It climbs nearly 3,000 feet in just 20 miles and features steep grades, cliff hanging turns, tunnels (mom's favorite) and bridges and trestles.

After the train ride we went to the visitors center and saw a movie about the Klondike Gold Rush.

Dawes...the Glacier

From Juneau we traveled up Endicott Arm to Dawes Glacier. This was taken from the Endless Summer Restaurant (one of the restaurants aboard the ship). Some passengers chose to take an excursion where they were able to view the glacier close up (those are the ones on the small boat seen near the glacier). The video doesn't do justice to the magnitude of the glacier.

Second Port: Juneau

Warning: This post is rated PG-13 for some mild language

Tuesday morning we ported in Juneau where we took a tram up Mount Roberts. Dad and Scott stayed and hiked around while Karen and I do what women do best...shop! :) After we shopped till we dropped (also known as running out of money) and the guys hiked till they dropped we met at the Red Dog Saloon. The menu offered "Cheap Shit (pretty good stuff)" but we didn't partake...so we don't really know if it was good stuff. This saloon dates back to Juneau's mining era. Juneau is the capital of Alaska but not easily accessible. The only way in and out is by boat or plane. The city of Juneau is built on a hill and all the foothills of the mountains are at the edge of the water. There really isn't much land that is flat.

Juneau

Red Dog Saloon Menu

Click on the menu to see a larger image